About the author
Kerstin is an ex logistics manager turned Red Cross executive volunteer. She loves horses, anything with chocolate in it and trees.
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On March 29th, the Women’s Department held its 7th Annual Outstanding Women’s Award in Belize City.
All I can say is… WOW. You learned earlier already that I am fan of the Women’s Department and their amazing work. Not only for their 10 BZD (5 USD) manicure and pedicure events (which actually take place this Saturday again =) ). But last night’s event was another proof what women can achieve with a strong willpower, resilience and a big heart for humanitarian work.
17 women and girls in total received awards for their outstanding involvement in their communities, districts and impact for the whole country.
The list of their work is long. Very long. What impressed me a lot was that most of those girls and women participate not only in one or two programs. For most of them the list is waaayyy longer than that. They truly dedicated not only their work but A LOT, some of them all, their spare time to do good. For example the girls who received awards are only 15 to 18 years of age. And already they are doing so much for their communities, their schools, their families and friends. Already at this young age they have recognized the importance of helping others.
Their activities include
This list could go on and on and on. Those girls are true role models for their generation!
But also the women, the LADYS in their wonderful dresses (and yes, most Belizean dress-up dresses are rather short but therefore the heels are even higher ;-) ) provided outstanding services to the people of Belize. From exercise classes to participants of political discussions with Guatemala; from NGO fundraising activists to lecturers and tutors at the University of Belize; from artists to nurses. Even a lady from New York was awarded for providing thousands of books (and therewith actively making it possible that nowadays 75% of all Belizeans can read!). Those women truly made and make an impact!
And to make it even sweeter: three out of the 17 awards went to Red Cross volunteers! Two girls, Ms. Aleida Trujillo from the Cayo District and Ms. Melissa Rodriguez from the Toledo district are active volunteers with the Belize Red Cross. Ms Shirley Mahung, who received the award from the National Council of Aging, is chairperson of our Toledo branch. And also Ms Kayla Arnold, who did a wonderful job leading through the program, is one of our peer educator volunteers! All great representatives of the Belize Red Cross!
Again, all I can say is WOW. I’m taking my hat off for all of those girls and ladys and their impressing engagement for a better Belize. Keep up this amazing work!
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Thanks for posting. Sounds like great stuff.
It's very inspiring to see how many people in Belize volunteer their time.
I guess in this case the old cliché is true: The less people have, the more they are willing to give.